Last month, a fire in a 12-story apartment tower in San Jose displaced dozens of residents. The fire reportedly began in a faulty ceiling light in the ninth floor elevator lobby. Although the flames were quickly extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system and the efforts of firefighters, water damage has been reported from the ninth floor all the way down to the basement.

Water damage in a high-rise can impact large areas of a building as water seeks its way to the lowest level. This type of water damage can be visible, but also occurs out of sight behind walls, ceilings and under floors. Moisture that remains for more than 48 hours often results in the growth of mold.

Once mold begins to grow, even when it grows in areas that are not visible, it can impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the building. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can trigger asthma in some people with the condition, can cause allergies and respiratory concerns, and some types of mold can even cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened immune system.

“The other concern in buildings such as this, constructed decades ago, is the likely presence of materials that may contain asbestos and lead-based paints,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Water damage, smoke residue cleanup, demolition and repair activities can aerosolize these materials in addition to any mold that may now be present if the proper safety precautions are not taken.”

LA Testing is well-qualified in identifying indoor environmental concerns and potential health hazards due to smoke residues, mold, lead, asbestos and other material. They offer comprehensive analyses of air, water, bulk and surface samples. LA Testing also provides all of the sampling supplies necessary and even offers indoor environmental test kits.

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, CDC ELITE, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Leandro, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.